With the summer heat in full swing, Arizona families flock to water spots for relief. But for the youngest among us, water can be as dangerous as it is refreshing. According to the Arizona Department of Health Services, drowning is the leading cause of death for children between the ages of one to four in Arizona, and the threat extends beyond pools to everyday household hazards.
The state is urgently pushing prevention, and it's a fight they can't combat alone. The Arizona Department of Health Services' Bureau of EMS and Trauma System (BEMSTS) is calling on emergency services, public officials, and the community, to come together to educate and prevent these tragedies. With an emphasis on collaboration, their message is clear: drowning is preventable, and it's a community-wide responsibility.
One part of keeping children safe around water is knowing the ABCDs of drowning prevention. These are straightforward steps that include constant, focused adult supervision, the installation of barriers like self-closing pool gates, enrolling kids in swimming classes, and ensuring the use of proper flotation devices. As reported by the Arizona Department of Health Services, these measures are vital for prevention and what every family can and should incorporate into their water safety routines. Drowning doesn't just happen in deep water, mop buckets, baths, and toilets all pose risks to toddlers who can drown in just an inch or two of water.
